Condensation is a natural phenomenon in a campsite tent. When the outside temperature falls below the temperature inside the tent, the moisture in the air condenses on the inside walls of the tent in the form of water droplets. This usually happens in the evening, at night, or at high altitudes when the fabric is coldest.
Breathability
Dralon Fabric: mm/s 23,1
K100-K200 Fabric: mm/s 9,3
Pick any portion of the fabric and hold it to your mouth. Blow hard. If you can feel the air on the palm of your hand, it means the fabric is breathable. With a breathable fabric you never feel the lack of air and can
breathe easily even when it is a hot night. And there are no draughts because you don’t need to leave the windows open to get rid of the moisture in the air.
Tent fabric cannot be solely waterproof, as it would be unsuitable for camping; one of its main properties must be breathability, allowing every bit of fabric to contribute to the natural exchange of air. This basic principle should be adhered to, especially in environments with limited air volumes, such as a tent, to prevent condensation from forming. It is impossible to eliminate condensation entirely during use, as many factors contribute to it. There will be climate and usage circumstances when it is necessary to utilize a tent opening to reduce condensation build-up while in use.
To scientifically evaluate a fabrics qualities, subject to its uses, one must consider the following:
1. The ratio between impermeability (maximum column of water the fabric is resistant to, according to ISO 811) and breathability (air permeability according to ISO 9237), calculated with reference to dimensions and inner volumes of the tents (habitable area) and area (in square metres) of the textile surface: basic criteria for a healthy environment.
2. Specific purpose of the fabric: for example the tents roof or side walls, including stresses and movement the fabrics are subject to as well as weather and climatic influences.
3. Stretch (ISO 5081), and tear-resistance (ASTM D1424)
4. Color Stability (ISO 105B04) taking into consideration weather and climatic conditions, including the reaction of a combination of fabrics and threads.
5. Light Resistance (ISO 105B02) effectiveness against direct sunlight and artificial lighting.
6. Weight (ISO 3801) of fabric for suitable waterproofing, not forgetting the tents weight/volume ratio when folded for transport or open for use.
7. Cleaning and Maintenance: including the resistance to dirt and mildew.
There are roof tents on the market that do not have any real product certification. Beware of certifications such as ISO 9001 that some sellers advertise because they concern the company organization and are not at all a guarantee of the quality and security of the tent you are going to buy.
On the contrary, Autohome roof tents have passed stringent quality tests of the materials used, carried out in the laboratories of qualified Bodies, including the German TÜV.
With Autohome, quality is standard: production is not differentiated. The tents used by experts in the most extreme conditions, explorers, travel professionals, and adventurers are exactly the same as all the others: the highest quality tents from Autohome, with over 65 years of experience, are available to everyone.
